My Wicked Earl (Wicked Lords of London 5)

“There’s no need.” She gave him a small pat on the arm. “I didn’t tell my mother or my sister because they needed to focus on finding, well, finding you.”

Rex squeezed her waist a little tighter. How could Petal not know how strong and brave she was? She’d been so busy focusing on her one transgression, she’d forgotten to see her worth. They made their way down to the kitchen and went about making dinner. It was an exceptionally pleasant evening and in Rex’s heart, he was glad to know this was his family.

It did occur to him that Theo might not approve of his plan to have Petal sleep by his side. But he’d made her a promise and it was one he intended to keep. Just before dinner, he excused himself to head upstairs. He had an idea. There was more than one entrance to her room.

* * *

Daffodil watched Rex leave the kitchen. He turned back and gave her a wink before he disappeared. What was he up to?

He must be plotting for this evening. Sleeping against him had been bliss. She’d never been wrapped in such a cocoon of warmth in her life. She hoped he was making a plan and that it worked because she didn’t want to sleep without him.

Nor did she want to simply sleep. Tomorrow they would be man and wife. She didn’t want to wait any longer to be his. Something had shifted today. She no longer cared how other people would judge her. Of course, she knew they would marry or she wouldn’t give herself to him, but all the same, it would be fun to break a rule. Even if just for one night.

The rest of the evening passed with agonizing slowness. It was delightful to get to know Theo, of course. He was perfect for her sister but she longed to end the evening and curl into Rex’s embrace.

She nearly jumped from her chair when Theo gave a jaw-splitting yawn. “I barely slept last night. Wonderful as this is, I should retire. Tomorrow will be a full day.”

“I agree,” she replied quickly. Rex gave her a quick wink as Jacob also rose.

“Bed already?” Jacob scrunched his face. “Today was too exciting to sleep.”

“Tomorrow will be exciting too,” she soothed.

But Jacob twisted up his face. “Says you. Weddings are for girls.”

The other two men laughed. “One day, Jacob, you’ll understand how wrong you are.”

“I doubt it.” Jacob grimaced. “I don’t think I’ll ever marry.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course you will. You’ve an heir to create.” Daffodil gave her brother a gentle push toward the door.

“Your sister is right.” Rex fell in behind her. “It will be your duty,” he said, then he dropped his voice very low so only she could hear. “And your greatest joy.” Then he leaned away again. “To continue your line for the next generation.”

Jacob shrugged. “Maybe I shouldn’t bother. What have the Chase’s done anyway but nearly ruin the earldom?”

Daffodil placed a hand over her heart. Her brother always seemed so positive, she hadn’t considered how difficult this might have been on him. “Well you are not that kind of Chase. You will save our legacy.”

Jacob’s shoulder went up and down. “Will I? Or will you and Violette actually save it through the matches you’ve made?”

She reached out and touched her brother’s elbow. “I know you will be a great success. You have your whole life ahead of you.”

“Thanks, Petal.” His lips turned up but his eyes didn’t twinkle the way they usually did.

Petal made a note to have this conversation with her brother again when they could speak more privately.

She showed Theo to his chambers and then checked on Mrs. Fields before retiring to her own room. She quickly set about changing out of her clothes and into a night rail. Her mother had purchased bed wear for her sister that had been lacy and beautiful. Daffodil wished she had something like that now, but she decided to make up for it by unpinning her hair and brushing it into a nice, soft sheen then she left it undone.

She still didn’t know how Rex would sneak into her room but she was certain he’d found a way. Still it surprised her when a pebble bounced off her window.

No…he wasn’t actually going to attempt the garden wall again was he? She stifled a nervous giggle as she crossed the room and threw open the window. The man had a death wish.

“You can’t be serious?” she called by way of greeting.

Hands on his hips, he grinned up at her. “Look at the foot of your bed.”

She turned, and tied to one of the posts was a thick cord of rope. It was neatly coiled and just sticking out from under the bedskirt. She couldn’t hold the laugh in this time as she grabbed the rope and dragged it to the window, tossing it out. It snaked down the wall and landed on the soft ground with a thud. “You’re sure the knot will hold you?”

“I’m a sailor,” he grabbed the rope and began effortlessly scaling the wall. When he’d reached the sill of her window, he gave her a devilish grin. “Tying knots and climbing ropes are my business.”